Exploring Omaha Beach

A Casual Guide to Normandy’s D-Day Sites & American Cemetery

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the content creation and maintenance of this blog. Rest assured, I only recommend products and services that I use and believe in. I appreciate your support! Here is our Privacy Policy

Ever wondered what it’s like to walk through living history? Visiting Normandy’s Omaha Beach and D-Day sites feels like stepping right into one of the most powerful chapters of WWII. It’s more than a trip—it’s a deep, moving experience that sticks with you. Whether you're a history nerd, looking for an eye-opening educational stop, or just want to pay your respects to some true heroes, Normandy’s beaches and memorials pack a serious emotional punch—and yes, the views are stunning too.

Getting There:

We booked a tour through Viator (super easy, lots of options). Pro tip: pick one that starts early, so you can sleep through the 2.5–3 hour drive from Paris. I did, and it made the morning go by real quick. The weather? Moody, classic Normandy. One minute it’s sunshine, next it’s “should’ve brought that raincoat” vibes.

You can also DIY your trip:

• Driving: Great if you love detours and spontaneous croissants. It’s about 3 hours from Paris via the A13.

• Train: Fast and scenic, but there’s no direct line to Omaha Beach. You’ll stop at Bayeux or Caen, both a short drive from the coast.

Cliff-Climbing Heroes: Pointe du Hoc

The Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument in Normandy, France, is a stark and powerful tribute to the courageous actions of the US Army Rangers on D-Day, June 6th, 1944. Unlike the manicured lawns of the Normandy American Cemetery, Pointe du Hoc stands as a testament to the battle itself, preserving the scarred landscape much as the Rangers left it.

Facing a seemingly impossible task, 225 Rangers under Lieutenant Colonel James Earl Rudder scaled the 100-foot cliffs of Pointe du Hoc. Their objective: to neutralize German artillery batteries that could have rained fire down on the landing forces at Omaha and Utah Beaches.

A lot of the Nazi structures still exist in at the monument which, if I remember is maintained by the US Government.

Even the craters where the bombs hit are still there.

Pretty sure this was one of the Nazi weapons installations. It’s wild seeing it up close—and realizing how much of it is still standing.

From Bunker to Memorial: Omaha Beach’s National Guard Tribute

Located on Omaha Beach in Vierville-sur-Mer, France. It is dedicated to the memory of the Allied soldiers who fought on D-Day, June 6, 1944. The monument is built on top of a German bunker that was captured by the National Guard on D-Day.

A granite pylon rises from a German bunker, with tablets at its base inscribed in both French and English. This bilingual inscription reflects the international significance of the D-Day operation.

Of course the beach cliff views are amazing

Les Braves Omaha Beach Memorial

After Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument our next stop is Les Braves Omaha Beach Memorial. Standing tall on Omaha Beach, France, Les Braves isn't your typical war memorial. This sculpture soars with symbolism. Located directly on the D-Day landing zone, Les Braves confronts visitors with the harsh reality of war, while forever remembering the sacrifice made for freedom

Wings of Hope represent the soldiers' unwavering spirit, while "Rise, Freedom!" etched in French serves as a powerful call to action. Mirroring wings, a final element honors the brotherhood forged in battle.

Remembering the Fallen at the Normandy American Cemetery

Normandy American Cemetery is a beautifully manicured landscape overlooking Omaha Beach.

Here, nearly 10,000 American soldiers who died fighting in Europe during World War II are laid to rest. The peaceful rows of white headstones are a powerful reminder of the human cost of war. It’s quiet, powerful, and honestly... it gets you right in the gut. In the best, most respectful way.

Take a free guided tour offered daily by the cemetery, or explore the grounds on your own. Be sure to visit the garden with the "Walls of the Missing," honoring those missing in action. The visitor center offers an excellent multimedia presentation that personalizes the D-Day story.

Inside the Overlord Museum: Tanks, Artifacts & History Come Alive

Nestled near Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, the Overlord Museum stands as a powerful testament to the events of D-Day and the wider Battle of Normandy.

Unlike traditional museums with static displays, the Overlord Museum immerses visitors in the story through a captivating blend of artifacts, dioramas, and multimedia presentations.

The museum was pretty cool with a lot of war time displays that consist of weapons, vehicles and other items that they were able to retrieve from people once the war was over.

The Overlord Museum serves a dual purpose. It honors the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought on both sides of the conflict. At the same time, it educates visitors about the immense cost of war and the importance of remembering the past.

Whether you're a history buff or simply someone interested in honoring the sacrifices of the past, a visit to Normandy is a profoundly moving experience. The combination of these powerful landmarks - the serene cemetery, the windswept beaches, and the educational museums - paint a vivid picture of D-Day and its lasting impact.

Hope this guide gave you that little nudge to put Normandy on your travel list. Between the history, the stories, and the stunning coastline—it’s unforgettable. Ready to start planning?

I always check Expedia first. I’ve trusted them for years—super reliable and easy to use, especially if I’m not booking straight through the airline. Plus, you can bundle flights, hotels, and even car rentals if you’re doing a DIY Normandy road trip. One-stop shop vibes.

For tours, I love Viator and GetYourGuide. I’ve used both, and they make it so easy to find exactly what you want—whether it’s a full-day deep dive into D-Day history or a quick highlights tour that leaves time for beachside croissants. Just pick your pace!

TTYL! Happy Travels